• Trump expresses surprise over Jerome Powell's continued chairmanship despite appointing him in 2018.
• He claims he “most likely” will not fire Powell, citing market disruptions.
• Trump criticizes Powell's leadership, labeling him various negative terms.
• Recent claims regarding the Federal Reserve's renovation project being over budget.
• Calls for Powell's resignation amid dissent on the board regarding interest rates.

Former President Donald Trump recently expressed surprise over Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's continued appointment, despite being the one who nominated him in 2018. During an event with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Trump seemed to momentarily forget his role, stating, "I was surprised, frankly, that Biden put him in and extended him," referring to Joe Biden's reappointment of Powell in 2021, which had bipartisan support in the Senate. Trump's remarks highlight his complex relationship with Powell, whom he has frequently criticized for interest rate policies, according to India Times.

In a subsequent interview with Newsmax, Trump stated that he "most likely" will not fire Powell, despite his ongoing frustrations with the Fed Chair. Trump remarked on the potential market disturbance that firing Powell could cause, saying, "It’s very disruptive if you fire." Although he acknowledged that Powell's term endures until May 2026, he conveyed a sense of urgency by claiming, “I would remove him in a heartbeat," a sentiment that reflects his continued dissatisfaction with Powell's management of interest rates, according to HuffPost and The Hill.

Trump has openly criticized Powell's handling of interest rates, calling him a series of disparaging terms and referring to Powell's renovation project for the Federal Reserve, which he claims is "way over budget." Reflecting on the building project, Trump remarked, "It’s almost like he’s building a palace for himself," and suggested it was unnecessary given Powell's impending tenure end, according to The Hill and HuffPost.

As Trump's dissatisfaction grows, he has used recent resignations from the Federal Reserve Board, including Governor Adriana Kugler, to apply further pressure on Powell, insinuating that skepticism among board members towards Powell is rising. Trump's insistence on Powell's resignation reflects broader concerns about whether the Fed can effectively manage current economic conditions amid dissent and uncertainty, according to HuffPost and The Hill.